Bihar Unveils Major Infrastructure Plan for Inland Waterways

18 Jun 2025 CW Team

Key project highlights and infrastructure upgrades include:

Two hybrid electric catamaran vessels, offering cleaner and quieter river transport
Installation of Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms (QPOMs) at four locations, enhancing river crossing efficiency
Two RO PAX terminals for streamlined ferry operations across passenger and vehicle corridors
Expansion of community access: 16 new river jetties alongside 21 operational ones, boosting local connectivity
Development of a ship repair and construction facility in Patna to support vessel maintenance and construction
Establishment of a joint task force comprising Bihar state, ports ministry and the Inland Waterways Authority to explore sustainable development
Upgradation of the National Inland Navigation Institute in Patna to a Centre of Excellence in navigation and training

The workshop also provided an update on the Jal Marg Vikas Project—the development of the Ganga corridor from Varanasi to Haldia. The waterways authority is targeting ₹35 billion in infrastructure projects across India by 2030. In Bihar alone, GWTP (Gearless Water Transport Project) traffic has soared from approximately 5 million tonnes in 2014–15 to over 16 million tonnes in 2024–25.

Since 2014, cargo movement on inland waterways has increased over 700 per cent, while operational waterways have multiplied nearly nine fold. This resurgence marks waterways as a pivotal, eco friendly alternative for transporting bulk freight and catalysing regional commerce.

This initiative signals a paradigm shift in transport policy, positioning river transport as an engine for sustainable economic growth and promoting the Ganga as a vibrant river centric corridor for trade, mobility, tourism and innovation in Bihar and beyond.

Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a comprehensive infrastructure initiative to strengthen inland water transport in Bihar. Launched in Patna during the first workshop on National Waterway 1 (the Ganga), the plan aims to transform the waterway into a modern, sustainable transport network.Key project highlights and infrastructure upgrades include:Two hybrid electric catamaran vessels, offering cleaner and quieter river transportInstallation of Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms (QPOMs) at four locations, enhancing river crossing efficiencyTwo RO PAX terminals for streamlined ferry operations across passenger and vehicle corridorsExpansion of community access: 16 new river jetties alongside 21 operational ones, boosting local connectivityDevelopment of a ship repair and construction facility in Patna to support vessel maintenance and constructionEstablishment of a joint task force comprising Bihar state, ports ministry and the Inland Waterways Authority to explore sustainable developmentUpgradation of the National Inland Navigation Institute in Patna to a Centre of Excellence in navigation and trainingThe workshop also provided an update on the Jal Marg Vikas Project—the development of the Ganga corridor from Varanasi to Haldia. The waterways authority is targeting ₹35 billion in infrastructure projects across India by 2030. In Bihar alone, GWTP (Gearless Water Transport Project) traffic has soared from approximately 5 million tonnes in 2014–15 to over 16 million tonnes in 2024–25.Since 2014, cargo movement on inland waterways has increased over 700 per cent, while operational waterways have multiplied nearly nine fold. This resurgence marks waterways as a pivotal, eco friendly alternative for transporting bulk freight and catalysing regional commerce.This initiative signals a paradigm shift in transport policy, positioning river transport as an engine for sustainable economic growth and promoting the Ganga as a vibrant river centric corridor for trade, mobility, tourism and innovation in Bihar and beyond.

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

Jyoti Structures FY26 profit rises 56.5%

Jyoti Structures (JSL) recently reported strong financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, driven by disciplined execution, cost management and steady progress across its order book.For Q4 FY2025-26, total income rose 44.2 per cent to Rs 2.41 billion from Rs 1.67 billion in Q4 FY2024-25. EBITDA increased 58.6 per cent to Rs 237 million, while EBITDA margin improved by 89 basis points to 9.84 per cent. Profit before tax grew 53.3 per cent to Rs 188.5 million, and net profit rose 51.9 per cent to Rs 181.4 million.For FY2025-26, total income grew 53.1 per cent to Rs 7.72 bill..

Infrastructure Energy

04 May 2026

Cat BEPU to Power Doppstadt Separator at IFAT 2026

Caterpillar’s Cat Battery Electric Power Unit (BEPU) has been selected by Doppstadt to power its SWS 6 Spiral Shaft Separator, which will be showcased for the first time at IFAT 2026 in Munich, Germany, from 4–7 May.The compact plug-and-play BEPU is designed to replace a diesel engine within the same space, using the same mounting locations and relative machine position. It integrates the battery, motor, inverter, onboard charging, cooling and controls, enabling OEMs to electrify existing chassis platforms without extensive redesign.Caterpillar and Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems have be..

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

VECV sales rise 6.9% in April 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, recorded sales of 7,318 units in April 2026, compared to 6,846 units in April 2025, registering 6.9 per cent growth. The total included 7,159 units under the Eicher brand and 159 units under the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,159 units during the month, up 6.6 per cent from 6,717 units in April 2025. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 8.6 per cent to 6,797 units from 6,257 units a year earlier.Exports declined 21.3 per cent, with VECV recording 362 units in ..